How to Ikigai | Tim Tamashiro | TEDxYYC

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term that means "a reason for being." It serves as a framework for discovering your life’s purpose and achieving happiness. Drawing from Tim Tamashiro's insights, you will learn actionable steps to identify your own Ikigai, helping you lead a fulfilling life.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of Ikigai

• Ikigai is often represented as a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles:
  • What you love
  • What you are good at
  • What the world needs
  • What you can be paid for
• Your Ikigai lies in the intersection of these four areas.
• Take time to reflect on each circle and jot down your thoughts.

Step 2: Identify What You Love

• Reflect on activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
• Consider hobbies, interests, and passions that excite you.
• Make a list of at least five things you love doing.

Step 3: Assess What You Are Good At

• Think about your skills and talents.
• Ask friends or family for feedback on what they believe you excel at.
• Write down your top skills, focusing on both hard skills (like coding or writing) and soft skills (like communication and empathy).

Step 4: Explore What the World Needs

• Research current trends, problems, or needs in your community or the broader world.
• Consider how your passions and skills can contribute to addressing these needs.
• Create a list of issues or causes you feel strongly about.

Step 5: Determine What You Can Be Paid For

• Investigate potential career paths or side hustles that align with your passions and skills.
• Look into industries or fields where you can monetize your interests.
• Write down job titles, freelance opportunities, or entrepreneurial ideas that resonate with you.

Step 6: Find Your Ikigai

• Review the lists you created in previous steps.
• Look for overlaps between the four areas.
• Identify at least one potential Ikigai that combines elements from all four circles.
• Visualize how this Ikigai can shape your future.

Step 7: Take Action

• Start small by incorporating aspects of your Ikigai into your daily life.
• Set concrete goals to pursue your Ikigai, whether that's taking a class, starting a project, or networking with like-minded individuals.
• Regularly evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

Discovering your Ikigai is a rewarding journey that requires introspection and action. By understanding what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can carve out a path to fulfillment. Start taking small steps today towards your Ikigai, and remember to enjoy the process of self-discovery.